Specialist - Labor Relations

General Description:

The Specialist, Labor Relations supports collective bargaining and implementation of collective bargaining. The Specialist also contributes to other efforts to create a fair, positive working environment and facilitates communication between employees and managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports activities related to negotiating, maintaining, and ensuring adherence to RPS collective bargaining agreements; directly participates in union negotiations
• Assists with preparation of documents and records required for contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employee and labor organizations
• Interprets contractual agreements for employers and employees in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes
• Drafts contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations
• Serves as a point-of-contact for union representatives
• Collects information and data to assess cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes, including management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, and working conditions
• Recommends collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives and assesses risk levels associated with such
• Provides guidance in interpreting policies and training for RPS collective bargaining agreements
• Conducts surveys, interviews, and other research related to human resource policies; synthesizes information to inform recommendations
• Develops and presents briefings to improve understanding of labor relations and promote improved contract and management solutions
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to equal employment opportunity (EEO), affirmative action, collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources
• Prepares and submits required governmental reports or forms on labor relations matters such as EEO forms, new hire forms, or minority compensation reports
• Prepares evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify
• Assists with preparation of policies and/or documents including EEO, affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks concerning collective bargaining
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business, Accounting, or related field preferred
• At least three years of professional human resource administration with experience in collective bargaining and employee relations required
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to human resources and contract negotiations
• Experience with conflict resolution/negotiation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas simply and succinctly
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail and ease at managing competing demands and determining priorities independently
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment; adaptable when managing multiple, shifting priorities; comfortable with ambiguity
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; track record of success in developing and managing complex projects
• Proficiency in Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or HCLE certification preferred
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods sitting at a desk while working on a computer; ability to lift to 15 pounds at times
• Bilingual/fluency in Spanish is preferred